KENT COUNTY, Mich. — Disability Advocates of Kent County (DAKC) has raised concerns after the Michigan House of Representatives approved a budget that would reduce funding for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) from about $19 million to $11 million.

Advocates say the proposed cuts could force programs to scale back or close, leaving many young adults without support.

“I think that it would just add more barriers to their entry into whatever they want to get into, whether that could be housing or that could be finding work,” Dylan Melton, youth transition specialist for DAKC, said.

In Kent County, Empower U is a program for young adults aged 18 to 26. The program focuses on teaching practical life skills and helps participants secure and keep jobs.

“Empower U is a program for yo

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